Dundee water tank needs replacement

DUNDEE—The Dundee village board heard proposals for grant applications during their meeting Tuesday, Jan. 25. Barton & Loguidice engineers Ken Knutsen and Mike Parker spoke to the group about the applications and their cost. Knutsen said about one year ago, stimulus money was available, however that money is gone. Parker presented an update on the total project that would have cost $6.2 million. The project has been reduced to an essential: demolition and replacement of the north water tank on McLaren Drive. The replacement of the nearly century-old tank is needed for safety and fire flow issues. The estimated cost of that project is $545,000. Parker said they are now looking at the possibility of obtaining a Community Development Block Grant. Barton & Loguidice’s fee to the village for preparing the grant application is $6,500. Trustees will decide on the proposal at the next meeting.
In other business: Approved a change to the procurement policy in the village code. Public works projects over $35,000 must be formally bid. This brings the village in line with state requirements.
• Authorized Mayor Fred Cratsley Jr. to sign an application to the New York State Records Management Improvement Fund on behalf of the Dundee Fire Department.
• Fire Chief Ray Miller told the board that Yates County is changing to different pagers. The Dundee fire department may need to upgrade to high band units. In response to a question, Miller said the high band provides better coverage and less interference. Many of the Dundee department pagers are between 10 and 15 years old. About 50 are needed to supply both the fire department and ambulance squad. Miller said, “We have to rely on them every day of the year.”
• Assistant Streets Superintendent Doug Jayne asked for permission to purchase parts for repair of a water leak on the Four Corners. Streets Superintendent Andy Howell said he met with Jayne and New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) representatives about the project. Howell said DOT wants the work to be done at night to assist in traffic control. Cratsley said he would assist with the work. Howell said crews are attempting to locate a water main break by the racetrack at the south end of town. Cratsley said the village received a thank you letter from a resident for repairing a water leak. Cratsley said, “The monthly checks seem to work. Thank you to the crew for all their hard work this winter on the water breaks.”
• Health Improvement Project coordinator Lauren Snyder reported to the board. Snyder said the group is working with Dundee Central School District on reading. She said the GED classes are huge and more volunteers are needed to teach. Snyder said there will be business classes on Monday nights in February for people interested in starting a business or those who have a business who would like to learn more.
• Bids are needed for garbage and maintenance of the cemetery. Bids will be opened Feb. 22.
The next meeting of the Dundee village board will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 8 in the village hall on Union Street.